Staff Reporter
Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe says he wants to see classes in public schools not carrying more than 30 learners so that teachers can have more time to engage with the pupils.
This, according to him, should become the new norm, particularly in the foundation phase starting from Grade R up to Grade 4.
The MEC said this when he visited Caleb Motshabi Primary School in Bloemfontein on Monday to oversee the relocation of Grade 1-3 learners from Unity Primary School to allow for improved social distancing.
“When COVID-19 is over, I don’t want to see us going back to classes with over 60 learners,” said Makgoe.
“It’s my dream . . . we must reach a stage whereby in the foundation stage, the ratio must be 1:30. Not more than 30. We must reach a stage, especially in the foundation phase.”
The learners will be accommodated temporarily in mobile classrooms at the school.
Makgoe said it is disappointing for children to get to Grade 5 without acquiring much knowledge because the teachers were overwhelmed and could not pay enough attention to each learner as required.
He said such situations normally present huge difficulties when the learners reach Grade 12 and he wants that addressed from primary school level.
“You see, we are now responding to conditions imposed upon us by COVID-19. However, we also want a new norm,” said Makgoe, referring to the small classes.
At least 500 learners were moved from Unity Primary School to ease congestion.
Provincial education department spokesperson Howard Ndaba told The Free Stater fewer cases of COVID-19 are being reported in schools compared to a few months ago.
“We are still getting cases in schools but the frequency is not as much as we experienced in the past,” he said.
“I think this is an indication that our standard operating procedures are working and are being adhered to by all schools.”
Among the conditions, all learners and staff are screened before entering the school and should wear a mask at all times.
Only 50 percent of the learners are allowed on the school grounds at any given time.
This means learners only come to school on specific days and are expected to practise social distancing and good hygiene and at all times.